Long known for its “old world” charm, from the historic Faneuil Hall to the Freedom Trail that celebrates Boston’s preeminent role in the American Revolution, Boston has come a long way towards staking its claim in the 21st century. With the completion of the “Big Dig,” which buried Boston’s vast network of highways underground, Boston has hit the new century running. Attractions span the old and the new, including beautiful public libraries, fascinating museums and plenty of sports. With a collection of parks set to take the place of the ungainly elevated highways, the years to come promise to see Boston grow ever more beautiful.

The City

Boston has a tradition unlike any other city in America. It was here in 1773, when America was still a colony of the British Empire and residents, angered over a heavy tax on tea imposed by King George III, launched a bold nighttime protest in which they dumped 342 chests of English tea into the Boston Harbor. The “Boston Tea Party,” as the raid was called, was the first major event that would lead to the American Revolution.

While proud of its history, Boston has adjusted well to modernity. In 2004, Boston finally completed its decades long “Big Dig” project. The stunning Leonard P. Zakim Bridge, with a width of 180 feet, is the widest cable stayed bridge in the world and the crowning achievement in the single most expensive feat of civil engineering in human history. The completion of the project has made a city already laced with stunning parks and colonial era architecture even more beautiful.

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Do & See

Despite its traditions and its idyllic façade, Boston has more than its fair share of excitement. With more than 20 universities, including world-famous Harvard University, and over 100,000 students, Boston is the quintessential college town. From its outstanding live music venues to the fascinating museum and lively parks, Boston pulses with the energy of youth.

Dining

As long as there are fish in the sea, Boston will be a seafood town. New England clam chowder is Boston’s most famous delicacy and is a must try. While traditional sea fare is as popular as ever, interesting new restaurants of all varieties are popping up every day across the city.

Cafes

Coffee was introduced to North America in 1668, and drinking coffee soon became a popular social activity. Boston was, however, dominated by the tea trade, and it took about a hundred years before coffee took over the scene. Coffee houses formed all over the city, and the United States is now the leading consumer of coffee in the world, with Americans drinking an average of 400 million cups of coffee per day.

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Vittoria Caffé

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Trident Booksellers & Café

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Boston Common Coffee Co.

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Chinatown Café

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Thinking Cup

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Cafe de Boston

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L'Aroma Cafe

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Flour Bakery

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Caffe Paradiso

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PS Gourmet Coffee

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Milk Street Cafe

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Ula Cafe

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Parish Cafe and Bar

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Florentine Cafe

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Barismo

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Bars & Nightlife

Boston is a diehard sports town, and that infatuation is reflected in its bar scene. However, the trendy lounges and dive bars of Back Bay offer an alternative to the sports bar scene. Home to rock legends such as Aerosmith, the Pixies and, well, Boston – Boston is a live music town with several outstanding venues. Electronic music aficionados should head to Lansdowne Street, where the young and scantily clad come to dance the night away.

Shopping

Finding great shopping in Boston is rather simple – just follow the crowds. While straying off the beaten path can occasionally uncover a hidden gem, the majority of worthwhile shopping is found in the following popular areas.

Tourist Information

Airport

All flights to Boston arrive at Logan International Airport (BOS), which is located approximately 5 miles east of downtown Boston.

A free shuttle is available to the nearest “T” stop – it services all of Logan’s five terminals. Taxi service to downtown is available through Back Bay Coach (+1 888 222 5299). Book taxis 24 hours in advance of your arrival or departure. Although the airport is close to the city center, traffic can make the trip last as long as thirty minutes.

Address: 1 Harborside Dr, Boston

Email:

Phone: +1 800 235 6426

Website: www.massport.com

More Information:

Public Transport

The MBTA, known locally as the “T,” provides quick and efficient rail service throughout the city. Single tickets are available, as well as week-long unlimited “Visitor Passes”. Bring cab fare if you plan on staying out late, as the T stops running at 12:30am.

Boston is small enough to be completely manageable by bike. Call Boston Bike Tours and Rental to make a reservation and they’ll bring the bike to you.

Address:

Email:

Phone: +1 617 308 5902

Website: www.mbta.com

More Information:

Taxi

Taxis are the only way to get around town after the T stops running at 12:30am. Lines of cabs wait outside major hotels or can be flagged down in the street.